Free 2016 BMW M5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 BMW M5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 BMW M5 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) serve as unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to globally distinguish one brand or manufacturer from another. For the 2016 BMW M5, the WMI is “WBS,” pinpointing BMW M GmbH as the manufacturer. This code reveals that the vehicle originated from Munich, Germany, and denotes a passenger car. The WMI forms part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which contains detailed information about the specific vehicle, including its production year. For example, a BMW M5 from 2016 might have a VIN that begins with WBS, indicating its prestigious lineage and German craftsmanship.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 BMW M5

WMI: WBS

• Model Years Covered: 1988, 2000-2003, 2006-2010, 2013-2016, 2018-2023
• Example VIN: WBSFV9C50GD595483
• Manufacturer Name: BMW M GmbH
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2016 BMW M5 VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2016 BMW M5:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2016 BMW M5 VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2016 BMW M5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 BMW M5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 BMW M5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 BMW M5

The final 6 characters in a 2016 BMW M5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your BMW M5’s VIN below:

What info can a 2016 BMW M5 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Details such as the make and model, for example, the M5 Series, alongside engine specifics, like the 8-cylinder configuration and a displacement of 4.4 L (268.2 CI), are encoded within the VIN.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s size and type.
• Engine Type and Performance: Key engine specifications, such as a horsepower starting from 553 hp, highlight the potential performance capabilities the vehicle may offer.
• Safety Features: The VIN can provide details about safety features, including airbag locations such as Curtain Air Bags in the 1st and 2nd rows, Front Air Bags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, and Knee Air Bags for the 1st row, enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile.
• Fuel Type: Information from the VIN decode can indicate the vehicle’s fuel preference, such as Gasoline, which may influence fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: Insight into the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant country, Germany, and the specific city, Dingolfing, showcases the geographical origin of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 BMW M5